And it has recently come to light that the 28-year-old has lobbied Prime Minister David Cameron over controversial plans to privatise the service.

The prince spoke to the PM about the issue while the two men were in Zurich as part of England's 2018 World Cup bid team.

Strict protocol forbids politicians from discussing conversations they have had with royalty.

However after Mr Cameron told MPs: "I have been lobbied extensively about air and sea rescue, including by people from all walks of life if I can put it that way," Downing Street sources were forced to disclose that William had spoken to the Prime Minister.